On Saturday, September 21, the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs defeated the previously unbeaten Wayne State Wildcats in four sets. The Mustangs won by scores of 25-21, 23-25, 25-21 and 25-18.

Both teams were evenly matched in the first set, starting with an even 11-11. The Mustangs gained momentum and broke free with an 8-1 run. Thissen led the Mustangs in the first set with five kills. As a team, the Mustangs hit .364.

In the second set, the Mustangs fell behind early, allowing the Wildcats to gain a 5-0 lead. The Wildcats managed to build up a 15-8 lead, but the Mustangs fought back to decrease the deficit to 23-22. A late surge by the Wildcats lifted them to a 25-22 victory in set two.

The Mustangs won the third set with ease, cruising to a quick 15-8 lead. The Mustangs would go on to win the third set 25-21. A solid Mustang defense held the Wildcats to hit just .196.

In the fourth set, the Mustangs charged to an easy 9-3 lead and never looked back, winning the set 25-18.

Again, the Mustang defense held the Wildcats to hit just .114.

Abbey Thissen paved the way for the Mustangs with 21 kills in the match. Thissen hit .333 on 42 attempts. Whitney Burmeister followed with 13 kills and a career-high 25 digs. McKell Anderson rounded out the double-digit scoring with 11 kills and 16 digs. Rachel Westby recorded 16 digs.

With the win, the Mustangs improve to 7-3 overall and 2-0 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Wayne State falls to 9-1 overall and 1-1 in the NSIC.